smoothies, fruit smoothieDole Packaged Foods Foodservice, Westlake Village, Calif., gets restaurant operators off on the right foot with Frozen Smoothie Starters: portion-controlled, single-serve pouches of pre-mixed, frozen diced fruit that’s ready for blending. Varieties include Mango Peach, Mixed Berry and Strawberry Banana. Perforated pouches mean there’s no need for a knife or scissors. Individual packets result in effective cost control with consistent quality. Operators only need to add their favorite juice or a little yogurt for a thick smoothie (crushed ice optional). “We find mango increasing in popularity with both operators and consumers,” says Donna Skidmore, director of consumer services. “Mango is especially popular in smoothies when combined with other fruits.”